Nadal is a true people's champion

LEGACY: RAFA NOT JUST THE 'KING OF CLAY' BUT ALSO COLLECTED SLAMS ON ALL SURFACES

Rafael Nadal, who announced his retirement at the age of 38 on Thursday, was not only the "king of clay" but also reigned on every other tennis surface as he accumulated 22 Grand Slam titles.

He won his first major title at his first French Open, beating Mariano Puerta in the final two days after turning 19. He won his last, a 14th Roland Garros title, 17 years later.

While he dominated on clay, he won all four majors. The eight Grand Slam titles he collected on other surfaces – four US Opens, two Wimbledons and two Australian Opens – would, on their own, tie for eighth overall in men's tennis history.

He amassed titles despite playing in an era which also boasted Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, tennis' dominant "big three" for more a decade.

Nadal played with relentless athleticism, power and mental strength, a style that may have contributed to the injuries that pockmarked his later career.

The left-hander also had the shots, notably a ferocious top-spin forehand.